Gophers acting head coach Tracy Claeys smiles during a press conference after Minnesota’s win over Penn State on November 9, 2013 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. (Pioneer Press: Sherri LaRose-Chiglo)

“But from there, we have to get it straightened out between Nick (Rallis) and De’Niro (Laster),” Claeys said. “Jon (Celestin) has played awfully well, (and) we’re still figuring out where that’s all gonna fit. We have to get that decided by Saturday to get the kids comfortable. We may be wrong the first game, and if we are, we’ll just adjust it and go.”

The linebacking corps weren’t deep to begin with. And then junior college transfer Cody Poock, a potential starter, injured his knee in the spring.

Now Claeys plans to play true freshmen Celestin and Everett Williams, who recently returned to practice from an injury.

“He’s been moving around again,” Claeys said of Williams. “He’s been doing really well.”

Claeys said the most impressive freshmen on defense have been cornerback Craig James, defensive tackle Steven Richardson and defensive tackle Andrew Stelter.

He’s also impressed with Gaelin Elmore, a freshman defensive end from Somerset, Wis., who was moved last week from tight end.

“As far as freshmen that have an opportunity to play right now, this is probably the biggest group,” Claeys said. “Now, will they? We’ll see how it works out. We’re planning on that right now, but we’ve still got two weeks to go.”

Briefly

Sophomore wide receiver Drew Wolitarsky did not practice Wednesday. … Freshman offensive lineman Jared Weyler is out for the season after suffering a torn ACL last week.

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